As to this specfic task, intense light is your worst enemy 
and therefore I would be hesitant to scan the plans.  I 
would suggest trying a digital photo.  I have had great 
success with this with just my palm sized digital camera. 
 I you were to shoot the plans with a professional camera, 
I suspect you would be more than satisfied with the 
results.  The advantage of this for the plans is that they 
will be exposed to intense light only if a flash is needed 
and, as important, they won't have to pass through a 
scanner.

Paul

On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 04:04:53 -0500
  Ron May <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Brad and I are talking about how to get copies without 
>destroying the  
> 80-year old plans. 
> 
> Ron May
> Legacy 106, Inc.
>